Personal watercraft like Sea-Doos, WaveRunners, and Jet Skis are like the motorcycles of the boating world. You can get these little craft with a stupid amount of horsepower and speed down the water at speeds that seemingly warp time and space. Since 2024, the Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 was the fastest PWC on water with 325 horsepower and an electronically limited top speed of 70 mph. As if all of the power in the world wasn’t enough, America’s craziest personal watercraft just got even more ridiculous with a power upgrade. Why yes, this is a Sea-Doo that could outrun most cars at 60 mph!
Back in 2024, the folks at Sea-Doo offered me a unique opportunity. I like trying out basically anything with an engine, and they had quite the machine to get me onto. I flew down to Florida, mounted a Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 HP and a Sea-Doo GTR-X 300 HP personal watercraft, then punched it through alligator-infested waters. Honestly, these watercraft were incomprehensibly quick. I fully expect a supercar to hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, but a tiny floating object brute-forcing through water? It was hard to grasp.
The Sea-Doo RXP-X 325 and its silly supercharger have held the crown as the world’s fastest personal watercraft for a couple of years now, leaving the competition in the mist. America’s second-fastest PWC remains the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310. But I suppose having only a mere 15 HP advantage against Team Green wasn’t enough for the mad engineers at Sea-Doo, because the new one has gotten a healthy power bump and nearly a half-second off its 60 mph acceleration time.
The PWC Speed Wars
Some of the greatest tales in vehicular lore are those of the gentlemen’s agreement. Usually, these stories start with a bunch of companies engaging in speed wars until they make vehicles so fast that a national government gets concerned and tells them to cut it out. There have been alleged gentlemen’s agreements capping the speeds of motorcycles, the top speeds of European cars, Japanese performance car horsepower numbers, and even the output of the tiny engines that power Kei cars. These voluntary agreements effectively pump the brakes on horsepower and speed wars.
But a lot of those supposed agreements are in the past. You can buy European cars that go faster than 155 mph, and the fastest street-legal motorcycle in the world, the Lightning LS-218, can go 218 mph. The Kawasaki Ninja H2, formerly the world’s fastest motorcycle, has done over 200 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The speed wars are back on, and we live in a time when family sedans can be had with 1,000 horsepower and pickup trucks can make over 700 horsepower.
Even the makers of PWCs have a need for speed, and the companies have been trading barbs for the crown of the world’s fastest. However, as BRP’s Tim McKercher told me back in 2024, while the feds might not care about super pickup trucks and tire-shredding electric cars, they are concerned with the idea of anyone with $20,000 in their pocket taking a watercraft to speeds that were once only seen in racing. To keep the government off their back, PWC producers have voluntarily agreed to limit their top speeds to about 68.5 mph.
The King Of Speed Gets Even Quicker
What this means is that since these companies can’t go for all-out speed, they’re instead battling it out to create the PWC that hits 68.5 mph the fastest. Here’s what I said in 2024:
The fastest Kawasaki Jet Ski on the market right now has a 1.5-liter engine with 310 wet horses to its name while Yamaha makes 250 ponies with a chunky 1.9-liter engine. In 2023, BRP decided to skip past the competition. The Sea-Doo RXP-X and RXT-X come with a supercharged Rotax 1630 ACE. This is a 1.6-liter triple making a monstrous 325 HP. BRP now leads the industry in power and does it with a compact engine.
[…]
BRP says the RXP-X hits 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and by golly, it’s not just industry-leading, but simply intense. BRP informs me that a popular mod is the removal of the speed limiter. If you do that, you’ll void the engine’s warranty, but unlock top speeds well past 80 mph. I’m told the engine is actually designed to go above 80 mph, too. That’s daft and I need to experience that one day.
Having the power of a thermonuclear bomb harnessed in a three-cylinder engine wasn’t enough for the Sea-Doo crew. They fitted that engine into a glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene hull with dashes of carbon fiber here and there on the body. The RXP-X weighs 778 pounds at its lightest or 798 when loaded with Sea-Doo’s booming sound system. This results in a power-to-weight ratio comparable to a supercar.
But that’s not all. Since the RXP-X is designed for buoy racing, it corners like an apex predator chasing down tonight’s dinner. I got to experience this myself in Florida and, honestly, it remains my favorite experience on water. None of the numbers I gave you here can begin to prepare you for what hitting 60 mph in 3.4 seconds on water feels like. It boggles the mind, like, how can anything slice through water that fast? The RXP-X 325 was so fast that it can reach a verified 70 mph before the limiter does its job and imposes a hard cessation to acceleration.
The handling was another genuine shocker. In a car or on a motorcycle, you’re expected to slow down for curves. On the RXP-X, you stay on the throttle, turn the handlebar, lean in, and hold on. The hull feels like it’s gripping the water like racing tires do on a track. The machine is genuinely a marvel of engineering and so easy to ride that even me, someone who isn’t a boater, could pick it up in mere minutes.
So, how do you follow something like this up? Well, Sea-Doo might be a subsidiary of the same Canadian company that makes the Can-Am Spyder, but its approach to sequels seems pure red, white, and blue, as the new RXP-X clearly adheres to the idea of just slathering on more horsepower.
How much power? The RXP-X now fires 350 HP. Getting that extra 25 ponies required a larger supercharger wheel, upping the rev limit to 8,500 from 8,250, as well as strengthened connecting rods and bolts. The result is that the new RXP-X 350 can hit 60 mph in 3.0 seconds dead. Of course, Sea-Doos have a huge modding community, and speeds in excess of 80 mph are only a speed limiter delete away.
All of this is extraordinarily stupid, but in a fun way. I can’t imagine the same RXP-X 325 that I rode two years ago, but somehow nearly a half-second faster. This thing is legitimately faster than most cars and would even give some motorcycles a run for their money. Well, up to 68.5-ish mph, anyway.
There’s A Senna Version, Too
If raw power and stupefying speed aren’t enough for you, Sea-Doo is adding a sweetener. The marque has partnered with the Senna Brand, the company run by Ayrton Senna’s family. The fruit of this collaboration is a limited-edition Sea-Doo RXP-X Senna 350. That might sound like a weird collaboration, but it actually makes sense. When Senna wasn’t dominating in Formula 1, he liked to relax by flying RC planes, flying real planes, and playing with watercraft of all shapes and sizes.
This Sea-Doo comes emblazoned in the colors of the Brazilian flag and is covered in enough Senna logos that nobody will miss what you’re riding. Sea-Doo says you’ll also get these bits:
– Integrated Signature & Championships: Ayrton Senna’s iconic signature is laser-integrated into the craft, alongside recognition of his three world championship victories.
– Senna Inspired Quotes: Two inspirational quotes “Seek your truth” and “Born to win” are inscribed around the unit, representing the mindset that has inspired generations to pursue excellence with courage, authenticity and determination
– Matching Passenger Seat: A coordinating passenger seat is included, allowing friends and family to ride together.
– Senna-Branded Protective Cover: A custom Senna-branded cover is included to protect and showcase the craft when not in use.
– Numbered Tribute Plate: A numbered plate bearing 1991 pays homage to Ayrton’s final World’s Championship.
– Helmet-Matched Colorway: Through a highly exclusive coloration process, the RXP-X Senna 350 was meticulously designed to mirror Senna’s original racing helmet, ensuring an authentic and visually stunning tribute.
Just 1,991 examples will be made, and Sea-Doo says you can pre-order one now. The Senna model will set you back $27,799 before transportation and prep fees. If you, like me, don’t really care about Senna stuff (sorry), you can nab the regular RXP-X for $23,699. Sadly, Sea-Doo does not quote what those additional fees will cost you.
I Have To Ride One
Of course, I will caution that you should keep your shenanigans to a minimum when there are other people around. Nobody likes a boater who speeds through a no-wake zone; nobody wants to hear your music, and swimmers come up really fast when you’re going 70 mph. So don’t be one of those people. But the good thing about the water is that there’s a lot of it out there, and it shouldn’t be too hard to open it up in a place where you won’t bother anyone.
Between you and me, if I had that much money burning a hole in my pocket and I wanted to spend it on a toy, I think I’d rather get one of these than a side-by-side. There was never once a time when I got bored during my test of the 2024 RXP-X, and I’m fairly sure that turning up the taps would only make me giggle until I got a sore throat.
I love that I live in a world where I get to watch speed wars happen on so many fronts. It’s crazy how accessible horsepower has become across the board. Sure, nobody needs a 350 HP Sea-Doo, and sure, this is an expensive toy. But I’m glad that it exists just for the ridiculousness of it, and I hope the engineers had fun making it. Now, it might be time to head back down to gator country to try one of these out.
Top graphic image: Sea-Doo
If you’ve ever been up in Muskoka or other cottage areas, the hate for the douchebags that have these things is strong.
I share that hate.
They’re so inappropriate for smaller lakes. The erosion caused by their wake waves hitting the shore is an actual problem.
You spelt “Douche Canoe” wrong…
I rode a modern but not this modern fast PWC on Lake James a couple of years ago. The guy that offered the ride bragged that he bought it cheaply from the family of the previous owner that had decapitated himself on that very machine.
After I handed it back to the offeror I decided that this was decidedly NOT a machine to take for a rip after a few beers. Yikes.
I hope he was ok.
Yep. Buffed right out.
I feel like the guy willing to buy a PWC with that kind of “heritage” is the kind of guy that would call it The Widow-Maker.
That looks like a fun way to die.
Taking running into piers TO THE EXTREME.
HARDCORE TO THE MEGA
There are some things worth dying for…
I grew up in South Florida where personal watercraft drag racing is a thing. Apparently.
1.15 statute miles = 1 nautical mile
Temu Vin Diesel sure seems to be enjoying his Ski-Doo as well.
I can see a Fast & Furious meets Bay Watch movie in the works with a craft like this. Call it Fast & Furious Women Life Guards…
I can’t imagine that kind of acceleration on the water. I’m sure it’s fun to ride, but I wouldn’t want to own one. First, there’s the association with PWCers, then there’s that I live on the ocean. While there are lakes, I find them boring even in a kayak (and they might not even allow access with these things), and this performance isn’t useful on the ocean and they’re even more maintenance heavy with salt water. Lastly, this must empty its small fuel tank quicker than a big block muscle car at top speed.
I’m sure someone in the “PWC modding community” (good grief) has come up with a “camelbak, but with gas.”
Most of us Gen X’ers are still bitter at Jet Skis for killing Jenny on All My Children.
But these are neat.
Back in high school, my friend’s dad had whatever top-of-the-line Kawasaki jet ski that was out (2009ish). I know it was supercharged and had more HP than the Grand Prix GTP I had at the time.
It was an absolute rocket and would easily hit 65mph with three people on choppy Lake Michigan water. I cannot imagine what another ~100hp would be like or WHY you would need/want that.
That’s my thought. It seems like it would be pretty fun, for maybe an hour. Unless you’re racing on courses or actually going somewhere (commuting?), I don’t get what you’re doing with it after that.
Does Mercedes automatically get all the really fun/crazy assignments? I love reading her stories, and I know he’s got a new wife and kid to think of, but DT or Torch might have an interesting perspective on PWCs or motorcycles.
I know it’ll never happen, but I would click so fast on a PWC test article written by Uncle Adrian.
Now that would be a fantastic thing to experience! Maybe lure him with free capri wrenching, parts and a stay in sunny CA during the UK winter doldrums. Even goths need some sunshine in their lives.
We should try to find a shark for him to jump over…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF8KfM0T6Ts
There are plenty of canals and lakes in England, they have a whole Lake District! Let’s start a petition to have Sea-Doo ship one across the pond.
I feel like DT would be digging into the aerodynamics of the hull and Torch would be critiquing the design, but Mercedes is the one who’ll jump on, twist the throttle, and go “WHEEEEEEEEEE”, and sometimes that’s what the assignment calls for.
Ahem – hydrodynamics.
Well, half the time, yeah
Much more fun it the lower powered SeaDoo Spark. New ones can be had up to 110HP, and you can get a new, year old model for less than $6K. My 2014 model with 90HP is still a lot of fun. Top speed is (only) 49mph, and unless the water is glassy smooth, you don’t want to go that fast for long. Great for cutting around and jumping wakes. Other than the initial thrill of getting to 70mph that quickly, I don’t see the appeal. Would get old pretty quickly.
Slow boat fast > fast boat slow
I agree that our Spark is more fun than the fast models we’ve owned.
But I find going 70+ in a boat to be more fun than 70 on a PWC.
I feel like that depends on where you ride them. If you have an area with a lot of winding waterways, maybe that zoom is worth it.
Different boats for different uses. I wouldn’t want a Spark for chop or towing a tube. OTOH my RXT tows well and is fun in chop. It’s no fun on flat water thanks to the 45 mph speed limits on the lakes around me. Except Lake Ontario 500 feet offshore. But it’s not going 50 in the chop unless I have a death wish.
As for the gentlemen’s agreement – there was one, with the Coast Guard, and it dates all the way back to 1999.
It matters and it doesn’t, as PWCs’ top speed is extremely dependent on conditions (weather, waves, water salinity, etc), and plenty other factors.
Genuinely don’t see the appeal of these at all and they are so annoying if you’re not the rider.
^^^^^^This^^^^^^
Its kinda like a mosquito constantly buzzing around
Personal watercraft in my area effectively became boat anchors in the late 90s. So many people went out and bought them. All the local lakes within an 150 mile drive always had a maximum number of craft allowed on the lakes limit at any given time. This was quickly reached with the proliferation of personal watercraft. You had to show up early and get in line. When full, that was it. You were out of luck. There was always the ocean. Many ended up parked on the sides of houses, slowly rotting away.
To be fair, slowly rotting away, not being used, is the story for almost all watercraft.
PWC, boats, RVs, trailers, etc.
Note for the ones on the fence – as with everything marine, fuel consumption is at another level.
This thing drinks Premium and has a 18gal tank, which will last around 3hours in gentle cruising, and about 40 minutes at full tilt.
Oh yes, the RXP-X from two years ago emptied its tank in a surprisingly quick manner. The bars on the fuel gauge dropped like an express elevator!
The first time I went boating with a friend and watched the dollars tick up on the gas pump I knew immediately I NEVER wanted to own a boat.
Then I got into engine rebuilding and reading magazines about cigarette boats and how getting 0.6-0.9mpg is considered impressive was soul crushing.
Super excited to see drunk bros flying past the swim area buoys on these things. Bonus points if they are absurdly loud!
The through hull exhausts will do that.
Forever wondering why these are called such a boring term as “personal water craft” and not “boatercycles”
I can only imagine how that kind of power must feel, as riding my friends Seadoo with only 200hp feels insane. I’m not sure having a speed limiter is a bad thing, as going above 60mph gets sketchy and taking my friend’s non-speed-limited up to 80mph was just downright reckless. But crazy speeds aside, PWC are pretty fun.
I think the last one I road was similarly around 200hp. I don’t know how fast it got to 60mph (certainly slower than these) but you could feel it hit the 70mph limiter. It was still accellerating.
Would I love to try one of these 300+ hp monsters out? Absolutely!
Would I pony up an extra 10 grand over the cheapest jet ski that can hit the limiter? Probably not.
Yeah, my friend’s was still pulling when I chickened out at 80-something. My friend claims to have gone over 100mph on it, but that the water conditions have to be perfect to do so lest you mess up and become a human skipping stone.
Even 55 mph feels fast mere feet from the water. And BRP makes it ridiculously easy to override the speed limiter. $300 to a Seadoo tuning company will do it.
Seems like these would be perfect for outrunning the coastguard after meeting an offshore powerboat and exchanging goods and money
Boy, will you be in for a surprise…
Most CG interceptors will be only marginally slower than you on water flat as a pan, and will run circles around you at whatever top speed you can maintain in choppy water (which will be far below your top speed).
And on flat, you’ll have about 100 something miles of range on a full tank.
All this if the CG just throws a single interceptor at you, and not a layered system with aircrafts and stuff.
Let me live out my Penn State dreams!
I see what you did there…
1 aircraft, 2 aircraft, 3 aircraft…
That works until you see the exact same PWC coming towards you, painted in USCG colors, with a skinny, fearless Coastie on board.
I mean, the model rider they have on them does have a strong resemblance to a certain Vin Diesel.
Hellfires have proven to be both faster and more effective. ‘I can neither confirm nor deny details of any such operation without Secretary’s approval’.
They would be great for outrunning a CG cutter. The real trick is outrunning the radios on the cutter and the helicopters at base…
Next up from the maniacs at Sea-Doo: a PWC with an FTL drive!
It’s nice to see Vin Diesel branching out into other, non-FF things
Sea-Doo, powered by FAMILY
Those mad engineers in Quebec powered by poutine and maple whiskey.
The gentleman’s speed limit makes me genuinely wonder how this is measured in a PWC. Is it water speed, airspeed, or gps measured?
It’s very reminiscent of the Kawasaki/Honda/Suzuki speed wars in the early 2000’s starting with the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, Ninja ZX11 – then ZX12R, and GSXR1300 Hayabusa eventually leading to a gentleman’s limit of “186mph” (300km/h) to appease US regulators and prevent a hard limit being imposed.
I think they measure water speed, but I’m sure someone could answer with more confidence.
GPS. The speedos on the new ones have been GPS speedo for a while.
Is that water speed for an African or European PWC?
I have been around PWC, on and off for a while lakes mostly and a little in the ocean, and I do get bored on them, one can only go around in circles so long. I think “someone who isn’t a boater, could pick it up in mere minutes.” is a problem with these in hooliganism on the water. More like “get off my lake, kid” instead of “get off my lawn” On the water there is just more danger than on the street. I have had to go out and help too many young people who get into trouble with these.
My buddy’s family has one that (while only 60% as powerful as these) will hit that limiter. It is a blast to take out in the evening (when there are less people and fewer wakes on the water) for a couple of blasts up to 70mph and a couple of quick donuts. 10 minutes and I’m content.
Agree 100%. My young cousin will occasionally rent one for a few days at our cabin, and I will take it for a quick rip. It is invigorating to be sure, but 10-15 minutes is about all I can muster.
My theory is that PWCs are about the most pure ‘Type 1 Fun’ possible:
1. Exchange money for boat & fuel.
2. Pull throttle trigger
3. Receive excitement!
The barrier to entry is so low, and the thrill is so easily attained.
Ultimately this is both a blessing and a curse. Other than being a responsible and respectful boater, there is really nothing to master once you’ve learned to carve tight donuts, and spin the machine without falling off. They are a fun toy, but that’s about where it starts and ends for me.
Seadoo v Skidoo.
There’s a lot of crossover in how quick you can get yourself into trouble.
Excepting that the Skidoo rider are further from beaches and wealthy cottagers.